This Shrimp Casserole is a seafood lover’s dream! It’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a special occasion, or even a potluck gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Flavorful and Easy: This casserole is bursting with flavor, yet it comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with seafood fans and picky eaters alike.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course with your favorite sides, or as a delicious appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the stars of this dish.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Adds a classic seafood flavor with a blend of herbs and spices.1
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden breadcrumb topping.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Provide a light and crispy crust.
- Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese: Melt beautifully for a cheesy, gooey filling.
How to Make Shrimp Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a pot of salted water with Old Bay seasoning to a boil and cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the cooked shrimp with mayonnaise, garlic powder, pepper, and shredded cheese.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the shrimp mixture to a greased casserole dish. Melt butter and toss with panko bread crumbs to create a topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for Making Shrimp Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer flavor.
- Broil for a Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy breadcrumb topping, broil the casserole for a minute or two at the end of the baking time.
How to Serve Shrimp Casserole
- As a Main Course: Serve with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- As an Appetizer: Spoon into individual ramekins for a delightful starter.
- Warm or Cold: This casserole is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
2. Can I use a different type of bread crumbs? Yes, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers can be used as a substitute for panko.
3. How can I add more flavor to this casserole? Try adding different herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice to the shrimp mixture.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Shrimp Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintShrimp Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: main dishes
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It features tender shrimp baked in a creamy sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (21-24 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus 1 tablespoon salt for cooking water
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more to grease the pan
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter.
- Cook shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper to the shrimp. Stir to coat. Add cheeses and stir again. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Make topping: Melt butter and stir in bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 13-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the crumbs. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you see excess liquid in the casserole after baking, soak it up with a paper towel.
- You can use different sizes of baking dishes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To make ahead, prepare the shrimp filling and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *